Antigua and Barbuda: Former carnival queen heading to China pageant

Ranee Laronde Thomas is heading to Shenzhen, China, to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the annual Mrs Globe International Pageant.

She will compete against entrants from 71 other nations in categories such as interview, swimsuit, evening gown and national costume.

Ranee Laronde Thomas, who has described herself online as “a strong black woman with Caribbean roots who respects every aspect of the performing arts”, was the Antigua’s Queen of Carnival in 2012.

She is hoping to be a cultural ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda, “promoting it as a tourist destination that extends beyond the azure waters and pink and white sands.”

She is also hoping to have the “opportunity to further bring attention to the destruction that Barbuda endured as a result of Hurricane Irma.”

The pageant, which will be held on 12 December, is restricted to married women.